Use of internet to purchase illicit drugs challenging for us, says NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says new drug trafficking methods pose a huge challenge for the agency.

Speaking in an interview with NAN, Kabir Tsukuwa, NDLEA commander of narcotics at the federal capital territory (FCT) command, said peddlers with drugs in their pockets dispose of them before they are arrested, making prosecution difficult.

“As law enforcement officers who respect the rights of citizens, the position of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act is very clear on this,” he said.

“One thing you need to know is that soon after we raid a place and leave, same peddlers are back again and these are same people you keep seeing.

“Additionally, our officers have come under attack by drug peddlers during raid operations, as the major drug dealers keep under-age to help them sell.

“The use of internet to order or purchase illicit drugs, such as marijuana based products like cookies, is also most challenging.

“But we have always stepped-up our game in all of these. However, we are working closely with community leaders to address some of these challenges.”

Tsukuwa said several arrests have been made as a result of intelligence sharing.

He said in the FCT, 80 suspected drug dealers with over 3,000kg of drugs, were arrested between January and March.

Tsakuwa said over 50 suspects have been prosecuted. He added that of this number, 12 have been convicted and sentenced to different jail terms.

“In 2023 alone, we arrested over 500 suspects with over 7,000kg of assorted drug seizure and conviction of over 200 offenders,” he said.